The recent collapse of the Kali River bridge in Karwar highlights a pressing issue for Goa, where many bridges over 30 years old, such as the old Zuari bridge, need urgent attention. Both the Kali and Zuari bridges, built in the early 80s, feature a balanced cantilever design with central hinges, which are prone to rapid corrosion in saline environments and heavy rainfall zones. While partial strengthening of the Zuari bridge was done about a decade ago, the structure has likely weakened further.
Previous inspections revealed corroded pre-stressed cables, deflection in large span cantilever sections beyond permissible limits, and cracks near the hinges. Although some structural repairs were made, there is a lack of ongoing monitoring. To prevent potential disasters, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive structural audit of all old bridges in Goa. Legislating for compulsory audits in the state assembly could help address these concerns and ensure safety.
